Hints from Heloise: Avoid peanut candy in large groups of children

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Dear Heloise: I am an emergency-room nurse. I would like to inform all of your readers to buy all peanut-free treats to offer at Halloween or at any party given in your home, church function or other gathering for adults and children. There is no shortage of peanut-free food products, and it is the only way to be 100-percent sure that you do not cause a death.

When children return home from trick-or-treating, it is common to "trade" treats with siblings or neighbor children. Hundreds of people die from food allergies per year, and many are from peanut products. -- Maggie M. in Ohio

Dear Maggie: Thank you for a very important reminder. Parents, watch out, especially if your child has peanut allergies. -- Heloise

Dear Heloise: We buy raisins in the 20-ounce box, which has no liner. They tended to dry out toward the bottom of the box until I started doing this: Cut the rim off the plastic lid and use this tightfitting cover inside the next box you buy, pressing down to keep the air out.

When the product nears the bottom, you might have to use a fork to take out this inner "cover." It works for round or square boxes. I keep one of each on hand and throw them into the dishwasher between uses. -- Wanda A., Hickory, N.C.

Dear Wanda: Clever. Here's a hint: Put the whole box in a large, plastic zippered bag, or pour the raisins themselves into the bag and then put back into the box. -- Heloise

Dear Heloise: With leftovers, I use only the rectangular storage containers. When they are all the same shape, it is easier to arrange and stack the containers. This makes the storage space in my fridge more efficient. -- T.C. in Oklahoma

Dear Heloise: A long-neck wine bottle is just right for watering hanging baskets. -- John P. in Indiana